A sunlamp, treadmill and Internet: Assange's comforts inside embassy

The WikiLeaks founder faces an indefinite stay in his sparse room with a single bed and makeshift shower.

He is talking to lawyers and “exploring new options” to escape his predicament after being granted asylum by Ecuador on Thursday. Assange, who is fighting extradition to Sweden over rape allegations, was “positive and upbeat”, friends said, despite being a virtual prisoner in the embassy. He is said to while away hours reading books and watching DVDs but also works on his computer until the early hours.

Kristinn Hrafnsson, a colleague at WikiLeaks, said: “He will be speaking to lawyers today to figure out his next steps. He is feeling upbeat and positive despite the fact that there are many issues yet to resolved. As well as trying to get to Ecuador there are many options he is exploring.

Yesterday, a heavy police presence remained outside the embassy, as protestors called on the British government to drop the extradition proceedings.